Non-follicular lymphoma Save

Non-follicular lymphoma: Understanding the Basics

Non-follicular lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that develops from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Unlike follicular lymphoma, which is a slow-growing cancer that affects the lymph nodes, non-follicular lymphoma is a more aggressive form of the disease that can affect different parts of the body, such as the spleen, bone marrow, and liver.

There are several subtypes of non-follicular lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and Burkitt lymphoma. Each subtype has different features and requires different treatments.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of non-follicular lymphoma is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified. These include:

1. Age: Non-follicular lymphoma is more common in people over 60 years of age.
2. Gender: Men are more likely to develop non-follicular lymphoma than women.
3. Immune system disorders: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who have undergone an organ transplant, are at higher risk of developing non-follicular lymphoma.
4. Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals may increase the risk of developing non-follicular lymphoma.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of non-follicular lymphoma depend on the subtype and location of the cancer. Common symptoms include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

If non-follicular lymphoma is suspected, a doctor may perform a physical exam and order tests such as a blood test, biopsy, or imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI.

Treatment Options

The treatment for non-follicular lymphoma depends on the subtype and stage of the cancer. Common treatment options include:

1. Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells.
2. Immunotherapy: A treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight the cancer.
3. Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells.
4. Stem cell transplant: Healthy stem cells are transplanted to replace damaged bone marrow cells.